From whimsical branches and flowers brimming with pollen to attractive rosehips: roses have so much to offer insects, birds and small mammals all year round. They contribute to biodiversity in your garden on several levels. Tell me more!

Insect magnet

The open and semi-double blossoms of roses are bursting with pollen. They work like magnets for honeybees, hover flies and wild bees, such as bumblebees. The aphids on roses attract natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and ladybirds, but titmice also like to snack on aphids from the roses. The endless flowering time is another benefit of roses: if you choose your plants wisely, you will have flowering roses from spring until well into autumn.

Bird’s nests and common brimstones

The tangle of rose branches forms a perfect place to nest and hide for birds. The thorns on the branches offer additional protection. Hedgehogs and other small mammals like to forage for food beneath roses. Common brimstones also like to hide on roses. The wings of these butterflies take on the colour of the rose petals; a clever camouflage trick!

Moths

Certain types of moths also have a warm relationship with roses, such as the small Quaker and the common rose bell. They use roses as host plants to lay their eggs on. The caterpillars then eat the leaves and flower petals and hide in rolled-up leaves.

Rosehips in autumn and winter

With botanical or wild roses and many propagated roses, rosehips appear in autumn. That is why it is important not to deadhead all wilted flowers. Birds and small mammals use rose hips as a food source in autumn and winter. Some birds, like blackbirds and redwings, like to eat the rosehip flesh. Seed-eaters like greenfinches and goldfinches will peck out the seeds.

Tips

It is best to leave fallen leaves where they are, since useful insects like predatory bugs and butterflies like to hibernate under them.

Combine roses with nectar-rich plants such as butterfly bush or lavender to attract butterflies to your garden.

Take a look at www.roses4gardens.com for more inspiration.

To view roses at Crocus click here

All images copyright iVerde / Roses4Gardens

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